Thailand International Motor Expo Attendance Drops

BANGKOK – The 30th Thailand International Motor Expo, now held at Impact Muang Thong Thani, became the victim of anti-government protests with attendance and car sales dropping significantly.

Slightly over 30,000 orders had been placed until Sunday. The motor expo ran from November 30 to December 10.

Organizing committee chairman Kwanchai Paphatphong, however, expected a rebound during the last two days.

He said that by the end of the show today, it was expected to register altogether over 40,000 orders, reasoning that normally large orders would be placed at the final day when car companies seal final deals with customers.

Last year, more than 14,000 orders were placed on the final day alone, he said.

Earlier he expected sales could reach 50,000 units this year.

As of Sunday, Toyota led the car sales with 6,707 orders, followed by Honda 4,685, and Isuzu 3,177.

Last year’s orders rose over 84,000 units with the government’s first car buyer scheme being a stimulant.